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OCTOBER 2016

C O N T E NT S COVER STORY

RELEVANCE OF GANDHI’S NON-VIOLENCE IN THE MODERN WORLD

volume IV issue 7

Anju Musafir & Dr. Pascal Chazot Mahatma Gandhi International School Ahmedabad

Institutional Profile

24 Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandey Principal, Ahlcon Intl. School, Delhi

Mentoring Mrs. Seetha Murty

Mrs. Ratna Reddy

Mrs. C.Rama Devi

28 Dr. Mariazeena Johnson Managing Director, Sathyabama University, Chennai

Interview

EVENT REVIEW

Brainfeed Acharya Devo Bhava Awards - 2016

Rathika Ramasamy Wildlife Photographer Chennai & New Delhi

Career

52 is 27 What purposeful Play?

32 School Phobia

40 Homeschooling

50 Young Entrepreneurs

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06 ��Readers Column 07 ��Editorial 08 ��News 13 ��Environment 14 ��Parenting 22 ��Special Feature 34 ��Orientation 36 ��Education 47 ��Sports 48 ��Analysis 54 ��Change Makers 55 ��British Council 56 ��Language Study 58 �� Mind Mine

READERS’ FORUM Principal as Leader It is a good initiative taken by Brainfeed to bring out ‘Principal as Leader’ as a regular feature. However educated we are, it is always good to take some advice/suggestions from the experienced educationists. Dr. Ashok Pandey’s answers to the questions asked by the principals are very relevant and useful to all the educators. Thank you Dr. Pandey and Brainfeed group.

NEW CONCEPT

Ms. Meenakshi, Principal, Indus School, Kurnool

Indian Sports WATCH

LISTEN

Now you can read as well as listen to your favourite article and also watch videos on education, career, sports, skill building, entertainment and a lot more. Brainfeed magazine started presenting a new concept – that is you can listen to your favourite article being read by experts while you go through the article. And also watch videos of your interest from the list of videos given in the magazine. This is how it works • A QR code sign will be given along with the article or the video. • All you need is a QR code scanner or QR code reader app on your Smartphone. • Download the app from Google play store or Apple app store. • Open the application, focus and hold the camera on the QR code of the article or the video you want to listen to or watch. • Then the QR code will lead you to the audio file of an educational expert, read the article for you or to the video that you wanted to watch. Don’t you think this is cool – so go on, read like an expert reader by just listening to an expert reader, read an article for you or watch a video to learn about an issue or topic or to learn a new skill.

october 16

Recently people all over the world watched Olympics and Paralympics Games. Of course only a few athletes have brought laurels to our country but why not many more? This is the question that every Indian should ask. In the sports column, the writer has given a detailed explanation of where we are lagging behind and why sport is not given importance. This topic should be a serious concern for each and every individual. The support from the parents and the school is very essential, so that India can create many more sports talents. Ms. Meenakshi A, Chennai

Relevance of Homework It is rightly said that children should not be burdened or pressurized with lots of school activities in which homework is also a part of it. The tips mentioned by the writer are effective. Along with that the activities CBSE has recommended for the students will create more interest in students as they would like to participate actively in such activities. It is hoped these methods can be implemented effectively in all the schools. Mr. J. B. Patnaik, Nagpur, Maharashtra

Parenting The communication gap between the parent and the child is increasing now-a-days. Parents are busy focusing and progressing in their career. The problem of the child is almost neglected or ignored. Communication is the best way to deal with any problem. Spending ample time with children can really strengthen the bond of a parent and a child. Dr. Chona’s article is an eye opener for the parents. Sonam Kulkarni, Counsellor, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

EDITORIAL october 2016

volume IV

issue 7

Chief Editor Brahmam K V Editor Seshubabu P V Executive Editor Bhageeradha G +91 91775 13996 Sub Editor Vanalatha Reddy T Art & Design Lakshmi D Rakesh N Director-Sales SreeNivas R B +91 85018 26497 Circulation Hemachandra Rao S +91 91777 74851 +91 85018 26317 Printed, Published and Owned by Kakani Veera Brahmam

Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd. 1-1-60/5, RTC X Roads Hyderabad-500 020, Telangana, India

he tenth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars, October is also associated with autumn season. Dassehra and Diwali are also celebrated all over India. ‘Environment’ gives you a glimpse of the ‘Future Green School’, the best eco-friendly school in the UK. ‘Parenting’ has Ms. Shayama Chona advising the parents not to dismiss a child’s fantasies and warns that it could be Schizophrenia! On 147th birth anniversary of Mahatma, the Cover Story analyses that Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence is more relevant today than it was during his own life time! ‘Promise of Educators’ is a unique experience of Ms. Revathi Balakrishnan’s passionate and champion teachers. ‘Institutional Profile’ focuses on the torch bearer of inclusive and progressive education, MGIS, Ahmedabad. From Malaysia Ms. Anne Sivanathan talks about ‘the purposeful play’ for children is rather a matter of right! Dr. Ahok Kumar Pandey, in his fifth in the series, ‘Principal as Leader’, replies to the Principals’ questions while ‘School Phobia’ reasons why children make excuses to go to school. Mr. Peeyush Khare from Yale University guides the young minds towards research. Scan for more Info

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE & E-MAG brainfeedmagazine.com AND FOLLOW US ON facebook.com/ brainfeededumag

‘Bridging the gap between Learning & Education’ explains how learning is different from education in Indian School System. ‘Training’ brings you Dr. Mariazeena Johnson’s own point of view about present education system in India. ‘HomeSchooling’ discusses how it helps children discover joy of learning.

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Brainfeed’s ‘Acharya Devo Bhava Awards 2016’ highlights felicitations to teachers. ‘Balance between Mentoring and Parenting’ points out how a parent can be a mentor and a mentor a parent while ‘Reshaping Their Future’ traces about the avenues of ‘Entrepreneurship’. ‘Career’ is all about challenging and adventurous profession ‘Wildlife Photography’! Happy reading!

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Brahmam K V Chief Editor october 16

NEWS No schoolbags or homework for classes 1, 2: CBSE

he Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all its affiliated schools not to give any homework to students of classes 1 and 2. In a circular issued on September 12, the board asked the schools to ensure that class 1 and 2 students do not have to

bring school bags. CBSE had highlighted the adverse effects of heavy bags, especially on primary school children. There is a risk of spine injury as well as back

pain, muscle pain, shoulder pain, fatigue and in extreme cases distortion of spinal cord or shoulders, CBSE Controller of Examinations K K Choudhury said. School Managements, teachers and parents were told to take measures to reduce weight of school bags. It has also suggested that text books from classes I to VII must be light weighted and should not be hardbound. Teachers were asked not to penalise students for not bringing textbooks or workbooks.

JEE Advanced 2017 on May 21

IT JEE Advanced 2017 will be held on May 21, said IIT Joint Admission Board (JAB) in press release in Chennai on September 18. The JAB also decided to reduce the cut-off for the aggregate marks in class 12 for SC/ST students from 70 % to 65 %. As per the new guidelines, OBC-NCL (Non-Creamy Layer) certificates issued after April 1, 2017 will be considered valid for JEE (Advanced) 2017. This year, students from foreign countries can also join IITs after qualifying the exam and 20,000 more candidates will be eligible to write the JEE Advanced. A short video tutorial and SMS services will be used to make the registration and admission process hassle free. CBSE will notify the date of JEE Mains examination.

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Improving education quality, a challenge: HRD Minister

mproving the quality of education is a big challenge in the country, said Union Human Resources Development Minister Prakash Javadekar. “There are 270 million students in the country from KG to PG, but quality is a big problem,” said the Minister. He announced that a Higher Education Finance Agency would be set up soon. Commenting on IT sector in the country, the Minister said, “India is home to best engineering talent but we have not set up companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter etc which are doing huge business.” He underscored the importance of quality education and research for the development of the country.

Sainthood for Mother Teresa

other Teresa, who has served thousands of diseased and destitute people, was officially declared a saint by Pope Francis at a grand ceremony held in Vatican City. Lakhs of people, including those from India attended the canonisation ceremony. The decision to announce Mother Teresa a saint was taken after two miracles were attributed to her name. The nun will henceforth be named as St. Teresa of Calcutta. Postal department released a

commemorative postal stamp on Mother Teresa to mark the occasion. Mother Teresa was born Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Macedonia in 1910. She started ‘Missionaries of Charity’ in Kolkata in 1950. The organisation runs orphanages, schools, homes for the sick and dying and hospitals in several countries across the world. Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997 aged 87. Nobel Prize was awarded to her in 1979.

inistry of External Affairs, Government of India has launched a registration module for Indian students studying abroad so that they can be reached in case of emergency. Indian students who are planning to go abroad or those who are already abroad can register at www.madad.gov.in. The module will be expanded to include details like, country-specific advisories for Indian students, links to Facebook pages of Indian Associations and links carrying information on accredited institutions in foreign countries. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has appealed to all Indian students abroad to register themselves on the module.

CBSE invites applications for scholarships

Registration module for Indian students abroad

Indian athletes win four medals in Rio Paralympics

ndian athletes have won four medals in the Paralympics held at Rio de Janeiro recently. Nineteen athletes from India participated in the tourney. MariyappanThangavelu and Varun Singh Bhati secured medals in high jump. While Mariyappan won gold, Varun Singh Bhati secured bronze medal. Deepa Malik scripted a history by winning silver medal in shotput. She is the first Indian woman athlete to win a medal in Paralympics. DevendraJhajariya broke his own record and once again bagged gold medal in javelin throw event. He is the first Indian to win two gold medals in Paralympics. Besides, Indian athletes secured fourth place in three categories.

he Central Board of Secondary Education has invited applications from school and college students under the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships. The online application for Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS) for College and University Students for the Year 2016 and 1st renewal for the year 2015 is available on National e-Scholarship portal .It is also informed that all students who are availing scholarship or wish to apply for the same should link their Aadhar number with bank account for hassle free disbursal of scholarship directly in their bank account.

NEWS P

‘

IIT Bombay students’ satellite ‘Pratham’ in orbit

ratham’ a microsatellite built by students of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay was successfully launched from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at Sriharikota on September 26. The satellite weighs less than 10 kgs and is designed to survive four years in space. Pratham was placed in a sun-synchronous orbit around 670 km above

the altitude of the earth. The main objective of ‘Pratham’ is to equip students with the skills required to develop a satellite through various stages of design, fabrication, analysis and testing. Though IIT Bombay mooted the idea to launch a satellite in 2008 six educational institutions in India had launched education satellites from 2009 to June this year.

UN charter translated into Sanskrit

he UN charter, the seminal treaty of United Nations, was translated into Sanskrit by Dr Jitendra Kumar Tripathi. Syed Akbaruddin, India’s permanent representative to United Nations, commended DrJithendra Kumar Tripathi for this pioneering effort. Tripathi is secretary of the Lucknow-based AkhilaBharatiya Sanskrit Parishad. The United Nations Charter was signed on June 26, 1945, in San Francisco and came into force on October 24, 1945.Kumar completed this mammoth task of translating the charter into Sanskrit more than a decade ago. It was only 2-3 years back that he decided to send the entire copy to the United Nations through email.

Centre to conduct learning outcome assessment

he Central government will conduct student learning outcome assessment in schools every year to improve quality of education, said HRD Minister PrakashJavadekar. He was speaking at a programme in Kozhikode. Government will assess mathematical, reading, writing and language skills of every three per cent of the children studying in primary schools under various managements every year. Though there are several assessment reports, government will conduct assessment to get correct picture of quality of education in primary schools, he said.

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31 Indian institutes in Times World Universities rankings

ndia has improved its position in global higher education. A record of 31 universities have found place in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016-17. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru is the India’s top institute as per the rankings. IISc is in 201-250 group up from last year’s 251-300 group. IISc and IIT Bombay are the only two institutes in top 400 category. In this year’s rankings there are four new entries- National Institute of Technology (Rourkela), SriVenkateswara University, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and Tezpur University. Varsities from UK and US topped the list.

DST launches `100 cr programme for startups

epartment of Science & Technology (DST) launched a `100 crore programme to help startups to meet their funding, infrastructure and other needs. The programme named as National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) is aimed at helping the startups across the country. A number of schemes will

be taken up under NIDHI including NIDHI Prayas, NIDHI Seed Support System and NIDHI Centres of Excellence. NIDHI Prayas will help startups to bridge gap between idea and prototype funding. NIDHI Seed Support System will fund early-stage startups and NIDHI Centres of Excellence will help the startups to go global.

Polythene ban near national monuments

he Union government has decided to completely ban use of plastics at national monuments and tourist destinations from October 2 as a part of Swachh Bharat Mission. Boards will be erected at monuments and tourist destinations about polythene ban. Officials are hopeful that polythene ban can be effectively implemented as all the

tourist destinations and world heritage spots have enough security personnel to check the visitors/ tourists at the entrances. Plastic bottles will not be banned and tourists should dispose them in the recycle boxes at the destinations. It may be noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on October 2, 2014.

‘8.4 crore Indian kids don’t attend schools’

he 2011 census data has revealed that 8.4 crore children (5-17 years) in India don’t go to school and 78 lakh children are forced to earn livelihood even as they attend schools. Of the 78 lakh working school students, 57 per cent are boys and 43 per cent are girls. Only 19 per cent of the 8.4 crore are out of school students working and others may be engaged in domestic chores. Some of the working students are as young as six years old. In the out of school segment, boys constitute 51 % and girls constitute 49 %.

World’s largest radio telescope built in China

he largest radio telescope in the world christened ‘Tianyan’ (The Eye of Heaven) was officially inaugurated on September 25. The telescope was built with an expenditure of $180 million and 8,000 people were displaced to create the three-mile radius radio silence around the facility. The telescope is located in Pingtang County in Guizhou Province in Southwest China. The

telescope will be used to study stellar radio emissions, gravitational waves and signals from extraterrestrial civilizations. It is made with 4,450 panels and has reflector as large as 30 football grounds. It has 500 metres diameter and it gives more sensitivity. SkyEye-1, China’s best supercomputer, will be used to process the massive amounts of data supplied by the telescope.

105-yr-old is mascot of ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’

unwar Bai, a 105-year-old woman from Chhattisgarh has been chosen as ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ mascot. The woman determined to end open defecation in her family, sold ten goats and built toilets in her house. Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated her at a programme and sought blessings. She hails from Kotabharri village of Dhamtari. She is also spreading awareness about the importance of using toilets among other villagers. october 16

NEWS Awards for Use of ICT in Education – 2016

he Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) invites nomination for the National ICT Awards from the school teachers for the year 2016. The contest is open to teachers working in schools from all over India. In all, 88 ICT Awards are instituted. The scheme proposes to felicitate the teachers who have contributed in enhancing student learning by effectively and innovatively integrating

technology supported learning into the school curriculum and subject teaching and thereby promote enquiry based cooperative and collaborative learning using ICT. The last date for submission of nominations by school teachers to the Secretary (Education) of States/ UT’s/ Autonomous bodies is October 17, 2016. For more details log on to www.ciet.nic.in

India wins historic 500th test against New Zealand

ndia has won against New Zealand in the historic 500th test match held at Kanpur. On the final day of the match, India bowled out the visitors for 236 in their second innings to take a lead of 1-0 in the three match series. Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has taken 6 wickets in the innings. Ravindra Jadeja was declared Man of the Match. India is the 4th country to play 500 tests. At present there are only ten test cricket playing nations. England (976 matches), Australia (791) and West Indies (517) are the top three test playing nations. India played its first test match with England at Lord’s Cricket Stadium on June 25, 1932. CK Nayudu was the captain of the Indian team and Douglas Jardine was the captain of England team.

october 16

TO WATCH

http://www. brainfeedmagazine.com/ video-october-01 The necessity of Student Voice

ISRO launches 8 satellites into two orbits

CSIR celebrates Platinum Jubilee ouncil of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the biggest civilian research and development agency in India, celebrated its Platinum Jubilee on September 26. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the celebrations. He stressed the need to use technology to double farmers’ income by 2022. He dedicated seven indigenously developed plants to the nation to mark the occasion. The autonomous body came into operation on September 26, 1942. He complimented CSIR for its contributions to the nation over the last 75 years. The PM interacted with the school children and farmers who were present in the audience.

VIDEOS

ndian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved another milestone by successfully launching multiple satellites from one rocket into two orbits on September 26. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV C-35) carried eight satellitesthree from India, three from Algeria and one each from Canada and the US. Weather Satellite SCATSAT-1 will study oceans and help in weather forecasting and cyclone detection. Two of the Indian satellites are student made. Pratham, a satellite developed by IIT Bombay students will study electron count in space. It will help to improve the accuracy of Global Positioning System in India and to predict Tsunamis. PISAT made by students of Bengaluru’s PES University will take pictures of earth.

http://www. brainfeedmagazine.com/ video-october-02 Born to Learn

http://www. brainfeedmagazine.com/ video-october-03 Why Education in Singapore Works

http://www. brainfeedmagazine.com/ video-october-04 Be Unique. Be Remembered. Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam

ENVIRONMENT

Praveen Alugubelly

The Future Green School

Howe Dell Primary in Hatfield, touted as one of the best eco-friendly schools in UK, has toilets that flush using rain water, sedum roofs made of and covered with plants and vegetation and class room sinks made from recycled yoghurt pots. The school was constructed with an expenditure of £10 million (`87 crore).

earning in nature’s lap is not new to India but now foreign countries are also emulating this model. Green School concept that accords priority to sustainability and environment protection is gaining momentum in developed countries. Howe Dell Primary school’s design not only helps to protect environment but also helps to make best use of nature to improve children’s academic performance and behaviour. The school was constructed with an expenditure of £10 million (`87 crore). In a first of its kind in the world, the school has a revolutionary heating system that uses the playground to warm and cool its buildings, floor tiles that can be individually moved or replaced once they are worn, solar panels and a wind turbine to produce renewable energy.

Carnegie Mellon School of Architecture study revealed that ample natural light in classrooms will lead to 20% to 26% higher test scores. Use of natural materials in schools reduces stress in students. Similarly, classrooms with ample light and plants can lead to improvement in spelling, maths and science. Wetland area on the school ground is used for science projects and the sedum roof doubles up as a classroom where students learn about the birds and insects that have made it their habitat. Sedum roof is a roof that particularly or fully covered with vegetation. The school playground also has learning stations where pupils can examine bugs with magnifying glasses.

Green School to be constructed in Stockholm will have hanging gardens, green terraces and vertical farming on the exterior, indoor farming vegetable plots and a birch grove next to the kindergarten for younger children to relax in. The greenhouse encompasses three enclosed levels for maximum productive

growing and extends upwards with hanging gardens and vertical farming alongside the student and senior residences. An organic food store will be set up in school, where the organically grown vegetables from the greenhouse are sold. Developing countries like India cannot afford high expenditure on schools. If meticulously planned, we can save power and improve ambience in schools by adopting green (environmentfriendly) technologies. october 16

PARENTING

Dr. Shayama Chona President, Tamana LISTEN

ll children enjoy makebelieve. One of the best parts of childhood is being able to pretend, to create fantasies and make up stories. Even imaginary playmates are acceptable under the right circumstances; they are a part of being a normal kid. However, when your child tells you about someone constantly speaking to him or the feeling of the presence of a stranger in his room or he is hearing ringing of bells in his ears, it’s time to get

schizophrenia is most often diagnosed. That is when a child is most likely to have his first break from reality. The break is usually dramatic, and it can sometimes be quite sudden. I’ve spoken to parents who describe their child as perfectly normal one day and totally off the wall and out of control the next. Children diagnosed with this malady fall into two broad categories. The first group is childhood recluse: these are the withdrawn kids, those whose

Don’t Dismiss Your Child’s

FANTASIES, it Could be

Schizophrenia back to take note. A far cry from the enchanting world of make believe, these are the symptoms of an extremely serious brain disorder called schizophrenia. Schizophrenia affects about one per cent of the country’s population. Childhood onset of schizophrenia-before the age of 12 is extremely uncommon. The youngest child I ever saw with diagnosed schizophrenia in my school was a five year old girl who thought she had a stranger following her. The earlier the disorder occurs, the more severe it will be. It is during adolescence, that

october 16

behavior has always been strange. “He never seemed quite right,” and “she was always a little off” are descriptions we commonly hear from families of these children. These youngsters are often aloof and not interested in socialising. The other base groups of people with schizophrenia are kids who seem perfectly “normal” right up until the break. This youngster had everything going for him, a tennis champion, very popular, good in studies. He seemed perfect until he came into class XI. He suddenly had a break – he was convinced that his best friend was going to

kill him and he was being hounded by the class teacher 24 hours a day. Every morning in class, he related frightening stories. He was eventually diagnosed as suffering from schizophrenia.

This disorder in children may be hard to recognize in its early stages. The child suffering from schizophrenia may have delusions, fixed beliefs that other people don’t have. He may have hallucinations, hear and see things that others don’t. He may have difficulty distinguishing dreams from reality. He’ll have vivid and bizarre thought and ideas. He’ll be moody, exhibit strange behaviour and withdraw from social interactions. Often he’ll think that people are out to “get him”. He’ll confuse television with real life and he will have problems making and keeping friends. All these unfortunate children and adolescents have one important characteristic in common – they are living in a world of their own creation, and they believe in it totally, regardless of the efforts of others to bring them back to reality. The voices they hear become as real to them and as important to them, as anything in the real world. Besides medication, treatment for schizophrenia should ideally include family support and education, social skills training and other behavioural therapy, vocational rehabilitation and eventually supervised integrated schooling. This will go a long way in enabling the adolescent with schizophrenia and his family more comfortable and better equipped to cope with this serious problem.

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COVER STORY

P. V. Seshubabu

Gandhi adopted non-violence in INDIA’S FREEDOM STRUGGLE as main weapon.

“Generations to come, it may well be, will scarce believe that such a man as this one ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth.” – Albert Einstein 16

october 16

‘A Man of Millennium’, Gandhi’s philosophy and ideology is relevant still today. It is based on truth, sacrifice, non-violence selfless service and co-operation. In modern times, non-violence methods of action have been a powerful tool for social protest.

ccording to Gandhi’s thoughts, non-violence is the ultimate solution for every kind of problem in the world. Gandhi believed that only through love an enemy could be permanently won. The adoption of peaceful method made one superior and put the enemy at a disadvantage but the condition is the opponent must be dealt with mutual respect and love. Martin Luther King Jr. adopted the methods of Satyagraha in his fight against the racial discrimination. Gandhism is very much contextual today on this accord.

Adherence to truth and nonviolence is not meant for individuals alone but can be applied in global affairs too. Gandhi’s vision for the country and his dreams for the community as a whole still holds good for India. He got the community to absorb and reflect true values of humanity and to participate in tasks that would promote greater good. The main cause of worry today is tolerance and hatred leading to violence and it is here the values of Gandhi need to be adhered to with more passion. Gandhi’s system of ‘satyagraha’ was based on non-violence, non-cooperation, truth and honesty. Gandhi adopted

RELEVANCE OF GANDHI’S

NON-VIOLENCE IN THE MODERN WORLD

non-violence in India’s freedom struggle as main weapon. India is a country of its own kind in the whole world. It is the only nation which for centuries has been the centre of great attraction for people of every part of the globe. On the basis of its knowledge and spiritualism India has drawn the attention of the world. Its cultural values have left their deep impression on the whole world. Since ancient times India has been the centre of a rich and developed civilization. Many of its centres of education and learning have been universally renowned in their respective eras. India has given the world mentors and philosopher guides for the entire world. Their ideas and adaptable practices are still ideal for all. Their work is capable of guiding the world even in the current scenario according to the demand of time and space. Gandhi gave a new dimension to Ahimsa – the highest human value. Gandhi proved through his actions that his ideas were relevant during his own life-time and left the legacy as the guiding force for generations. Gandhi’s philosophy is the collection of inspirations, principles and beliefs. The fundamentals of Gandhi’s nonviolence were practiced in Jainism and Buddhism as the basic principles of existence. Gandhi was also influenced by the non-attached and selfless action advocated in Bhagawad Gita. Gandhi described non-violence as a ‘force more powerful than all the weapons of the world combined’. It is the greatest and most active force in the world. Non-violence does not harm others and affect anyone directly but it works internally; it struggles for justice and human rights. october 16

COVER STORY Relevance of Gandhian strategy in modern context: In modern times, non-violent methods of action have been powerful for social protest; it is civil disobedience or peaceful resistance. Non-violence is a universal The present phenomenon and it has great scenario relevance and of violence significance. It and is the ultimate exploitation solution of all over the all kinds of world has problems and conflicts in raised an the society, important nation and the issue. world. The present scenario of violence and exploitation all over the world has raised an important issue. Any nation which has been suffering with communalism, dictatorship, corruption and power games really needs to go back to

The world is passing through an extremely critical and controversial phase of terrorism. The climate of terrorist violence is explosive. Terrorism is being used everywhere either with enthusiasm or with fear. This is due to lack of human relations. People are divided not only on an economic basis but also on national, regional and religious basis. The development of science and technology has made it possible to unite the world through technological globalization but it has influenced the mental makeup of the individual.

Today man is confused with the ‘manufactured’ cordiality for spontaneity. Present day politics has also failed to reconstruct socio-economic life and has only added to the confusion and despair. The decline of human relations or of public spirit in politics has opened ways for political degeneration. Gandhi’s conviction of nonviolence and truth as the mission. By adopting non-violence, social, political, economic and religious conflicts shall be removed. Undoubtedly, the social doctrine of non-violence that has emerged from Gandhian ideas has now become the key to forge and sustain the new social and political order. Gandhi is not the past, he is the future.

october 16

World leaders are working on combating terrorist violence but the solution is not yet in sight. It has become a paradox of the 21st century that the establishment of peace has become a matter of great importance for survival of human civilization at the same time methods of preserving peace has become a failure or ineffective. It is in this context that we have to examine the efficacy of warfare without weapons. Gandhi’s technique of non-violence has

proved to be the most effective and the least expensive method of solving social, economic, political and religious problems. Today violence is witnessed everywhere – in the family, in the community, in the country and worldwide. Does non-violence carry any sense in a world where we experience and see violence everywhere? We may argue and challenge the idea of non-violence and question its relevance in the background of contemporary experience. It is true that the relevance of Gandhi’s non-violence is now being challenged but Gandhi’s ‘Ahimsa’ should be understood by heart. It is a philosophy, strategy and mode of action for mobilizing people against oppression and a framework for the advancement of society. Gandhi’s work is very much pertinent in the present context: “The virtues of mercy, nonviolence, love and truth in any man can be truly tested only when they are pitted against ruthlessness, violence, hate and untruth.” The relevance of Gandhi’s philosophy and teaching lies not in what is possible or not possible rather it lies in its spirit. It is a great source of inspiration for many and will remain so to create a violent-free world on the basis of love and providing opportunities for all for self-development. Gandhi’s principle of non-violence is very much relevant today than it was during his own time! Brainfeed interacted with senior educationists and Principals and their views on relevance of Gandhi’s non-violence in the modern context are presented. Read on. . . Cf. www.mkgandhi.org/grelevance.htm.

for the rogue country to continue the action. There is no war, no bloodshed and still the nations are kept at peace. The main cause of worry

is intolerance and Q today hatred leading to violence

and it is here the values of Gandhi need to be adhered to with passion. Please substantiate with your comments.

Mrs. Ratna Reddy Founder-Director Chirec Public School Kondapur, Hyderabad

Is Gandhi’s principle of non-violence still relevant in today’s modernity?

Mahatama Gandhi gave a new dimension to Ahimsa [non violence] – an eternal, natural and the highest human value in theory and practice. As the best and true representative of Indian culture in his own time, Gandhiji has been considered as a peacemaker’s mentor. His ideas and practices became equally adaptable in his own times and also provided guidance to those working for freedom and justice. They are fully capable of guiding the people today if they are applied accordingly and will continue to do so in the future.

strong individuals, especially if the object of desire is the same. Tendency of people is now to grab by force. The result is violence leading to bloodshed. Martin Luther King Jr.

the method of Q adopted Satyagraha in his fight

against racial discrimination. Would it solve problems of India and the world?

over the world. What is the cause of all these?

Martin Luther King used Satyagraha and Non-violence to fight against racial discrimination and closer home, Irom Chanu Sharmila had been on hunger strike for the past 16 years to protest against the armed forces occupation in Manipur. Her prime demand has been the repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Influenced by Mahatama Gandhi, Aung San Suu Kyi entered into politics to work for democratization.

Modern man is a rational autonomous individual endowed with free will. He is self-centered, egoistic, clamouring for more – wealth, power and social status. He has stopped thinking of the spiritual meaning of life. Naturally this will lead to clash of head

In a situation if a country exploits the people of another country or snatches its freedom, or oppresses it, then bearing the interest of the people in mind, if all other countries of the world take the way of non-cooperation with that country, it is not possible

There has been spurt of

and bloodshed Q violence experienced now-a-days all

When there is so much intolerance leading to hatred and violence the eternal natural and supreme value of Ahimsa is the much needed healing factor. Another Gandhian way is sacrifice. For sacrifice, firm determination is necessary, a strong will is essential. There is need for people to adopt Gandhiji’s idea in daily practices in our ever changing, fast moving world. Tolerance of one another, understanding each other’s view point, being open minded, determination to walk the path of non-violence are the needed actions at this hour. Do you think schools/college should inculcate principles of Gandhi’s non-violence among the younger generation of future society?

Gandhiji’s life is a lesson in itself. Gandhism is a way of living with simplicity and non violence. Things have undergone tremendous change from the time of independence but his teachings of Ahimsa [Non-violence], Swabalambi [self-sufficiency], Sarvodaya [universal upliftment], peaceful protests not only have to be taught, but practiced in schools, in colleges because sadly these very teachings of Gandhiji are depleting in the country of his birth. His teachings of honesty, integrity, truth, non-violence and kindness can never become irrelevant or go old. october 16

COVER STORY The main cause of worry

is intolerance and Q today hatred leading to violence

and it is here the values of Gandhi need to be adhered to with passion.

Gandhiji said, “Non-violence is infinitely superior to violence and the soul force is far more potent than the brute force.” With a simple example of nuclear energy, we can understand how Gandhi is relevant even today. The energy that can be used in the most devastating wars is the same energy that can bring a country into the top five.

Mrs. C.Rama Devi

Senior Principal Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Public School Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

Is Gandhi’s principle of non-violence still relevant in today’s modernity?

I firmly believe that the principle of non-violence is relevant for all time. The Gandhian approach requires both courage and freedom from ill-will. Internal and external crises of any country can be resolved through non-violence, even if it takes a longer time. It is a peaceful solution that does not leave any hatred behind. When violence prevails everywhere today, it is an urgent call for all nations to apply the principle of non-violence. Implementing the principle of nonviolence is the foremost solution to the world’s problems. There has been spurt of violence and bloodshed experienced now-a-days all over the world. What is the cause of all these?

Violence and bloodshed in today’s world are the result of religious intolerance, hatred, jealousy, political instability and suppressed frustration in people. Inadequate values and supporting the wrong causes leads people down the wrong path. Frustration, lack of education, intolerance and

october 16

mad race for superiority leads to violence. The weakest people feel that violence will make them the strongest. Luther King Jr. Q Martin adopted the method of

Satyagraha in his fight against racial discrimination. Would it solve problems of India and the world? Satyagraha is basically a way of life where truth and non-violence are paramount. Gandhiji used it as an effective tool to fight against injustice, oppression and all kinds of exploitation. He used this method for resolving conflicts of interest and outlook, whether between individuals or groups. Gandhiji lived and worked in the faith that Satyagraha had infinite possibilities and that it was a sovereign remedy against all evils. In the present context, Satyagraha assumes great significance and applicability as an alternative to war and violence in national and international affairs. Martin Luther King said, “If humanity is to progress, Gandhi is inescapable. He lived, thought and acted, inspired by the vision of a humanity evolving towards a world of peace and harmony.”

Leaders of today’s world need to bring Gandhi come alive. World has abundance to give to all and there is no dearth for anything. Hatred and intolerance are the end results of want and greed. We must change wants into wishes and discard greed to give space to need. Do you think schools/

should inculcate Q college principles of Gandhi’s non-

violence among the younger generation of future society?

“As you sow, so you reap.” If the right values of tolerance, brotherhood, compassion, empathy and sensitivity towards the less privileged ones are taught in our schools and colleges, the younger generation will grow up with these values. It is the responsibility of educational institutions. Gandhiji’s famous words, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world” should be adhered to. He should not become history or legend as his contemporaries had forecast, but should re-live in every generation’s youth. Gandhi is no more the name of one man, it has become a school of thought.

Swadharma means, my work I have to do ! I am responsible and accountable for my work and no one need to remind me of my responsibility. Satyagraha: Truth as all such positive communications which are conveyed with a positive intention. Discipline as integrity and personal set of values.

Mrs. Seetha Murty

Director Education Silver Oaks International Schools Hyderabad & Bengaluru

Is Gandhi’s principle of non-violence still relevant in today’s modernity?

Considering the violent trends in the world, if humanity has to develop peace as a way of life, this principle of non-violence is all the more relevant today. Peace education is the need of the day. This should precede all the other subjects. There has been spurt of

and bloodshed Q violence experienced now-a-days all

over the world. What is the cause of all these? In my opinion, respect for life and humanity as a fraternity are the missing ideals in education. Communalism, regionalism, nationalism, sectarianism, and casteism are creating the divide in the society and ruthless politics are encouraging violence and bloodshed. Media coverage of all wrong models and wrong practices are further aggravating the situation. When we constantly see hate and crime, we begin to accept them. the method of Q adopted Satyagraha in his fight Martin Luther King Jr.

against the racial discrimination. Would itsolve the problems of India and the world?

People of such conviction and courage are missing in the current scenario. In a fragmented world, we need more leaders and more doers than talkers. The main cause of worry

is intolerance and Q today hatred leading to violence

and it is here the values of Gandhi need to be adhered to with more passion. Please substantiate with your comments. About 6 years ago, we introduced 5 principles of Mahatma Gandhi in the school. We called them as ‘Mantras of Mahatma’. SWARAJ SWADHARMA SATYAGRAHA

Sarvodaya means universal welfare. It was explained as ‘together we grow’. In the school we have a civic and social responsibility program called ‘Me and My country We grow together’. From fund raising to teaching and training, different community service initiatives are explained in this context as sarvodaya.

For me, Gandhian principles are more like a personal set of values. Yes, it is important to use moral anchors in educational institutions. May it be Gandhian principles or Vivekananda’s idealogy. But the point is reinterpreting them to make them significant and relevant to the current generation. Do you think schools/

should inculcate Q colleges the principles of Gandhi’s

SWADES

non-violence among the younger generation for future society?

SARVODAYA

If interpreted and contemporarised positively, yes. They are relevant at anytime. In fact they are universal and timeless. It is essential to teach peace in schools, colleges and universities. After all these are the people who will make the world when they begin to participate in societal decision making.

We know that these are big words for school going children. We contemporarised them and interpreted them into doable and relatable actions. Swaraj means, independence in thoughts and action.

october 16

SPECIAL FEATURE

Revathi Balakrishnan 2016 Texas Teacher of the Year

The Promise of Educators

EDITH STEIN COLLEGE IN THE HAGUE IS A HIGH SCHOOL MADE UP OF IMMIGRANTS, REFUGEES AND MULTIPLE ETHNICITIES.

estled in the heart of The Hague amidst tree-lined avenues, it is a three-story building just like the buildings all around it. But the minute you walk into the school, you think you are in the United Nations. Students of every ethnicity sit on the stairs waiting for the next class; the school’s chapel serves as a gathering spot for friends from all cultures.

october 16

But these students are like students all over the world; innocent, and longing for a world that will accept them for who they are, and teachers who can guide them to what they can become. Many of them are refugees who have just arrived from the Middle Eastern countries.There are 20 year olds who come to this school to adjust to life in a new country.

I attended the World Student Leaders Summit in The Hague through a scholarship from Education First and Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). My visit to Edith Stein College was made possible by the US Department of State and the United States Embassy in The Hague. I am very grateful for these opportunities.

You can see teachers chatting casually and cheerily with the students and the whole school exudes a sense of community and acceptance. You feel safe here. As the class eagerly gathered around me, their first question was, “Have you faced any discrimination?” “Yes, many times. As a woman. As a person of color.As an immigrant.

But discrimination is only in the eyes of the beholder. It is what YOU choose to do with your life and how you positively affect others that matters.” They all heaved a sigh of relief and many heads nodded in agreement. They understood me and I understood them. And even in their uncertain, and sometimes, chaotic world, some things were still under their control. Then came the punch line. “Education matters. Education opens your eyes to the world and its beauty ……and its sufferings.” More nodding. After my session, the students gathered around me to ask questions. They, teachers included, wanted to know how I was able to make a lesson so interesting, how I was able to change a boring financial literacy lesson for fourth graders into an exciting school storebusiness venture and how to use the local grocery store to see math in action by weighing produce and calculating price per unit from the information on the shelves. As an adult, I struggle to imagine a world without Muhammad Ali or Eli Wiesel. I struggle to see a world torn by bombings in Orlando, Turkey

But there is hope in the form of education. I, recently, had the good fortune of listening to talks given by Mr. Arun Gandhi and Mr. Ndaba Mandela, grandsons of the great Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela respectively. They were invited guests to the Education First Summit in The Hague on Education as a Basic Human Right. Their presence created a calmness that seemed difficult to achieve on my own.

and Bangladesh, or individual acts of “passive violence”. And the students sitting before me were the victims of such injustices. As an educator, this is the message that I will take back to my young students; that they have a right to be who they are, but they themselves have the responsibility to show empathy to persons who are not like them. It all begins in the classroom with

I teach in a very diverse school where students speak more than 20 languages and all religions are represented. I need to look no further than my own school for a lesson plan.

Mr. Mandela says,

“Education is the key tool in changing your destiny.” Mr. Gandhi cautions us

not to act in a moment of madness and anger, but to use the anger to find a solution that is peaceful.

great teachers who can directly impact learning. Choosing texts that engage with empathy, having those discussions that bring in different perspectives and celebrating the diversity in the classroom and in the school are all means of teaching acceptance and tolerance. Those students in The Hague, you will find your passion and a teacher to champion that passion. . Hold on to your dreams for one day they will become reality. You matter and your education matters. And once you have achieved your goal, look around you and help others achieve their goals. Pay It Forward. Find a teacher who believes in you. october 16

INSTITUTIONAL PROFILE

P. V. Seshubabu

A torch bearer of Inclusive and Progressive Education... Mahatma Gandhi International School (MGIS), Ahmedabad is a successful and award-winning Public Private Partnership (PPP) between educationists, Dr. Pascal Chazot, Mrs. Anju Musafir and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to set up a landmark in quality education. Every space is considered a learning resource at MGIS. Continual innovation and strategies to make optimal use of the available resources within the learnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; surroundings, technology and human resources. What explicit agenda for the optimal and innovative use of varied teaching methodologies are proposed to enhance the learning experience?

MGIS Pedagogy is experiential and utilizes all five senses, space and movement and makes optimal use of human and material resources within the learnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surrounding. We integrate new technologies into the learning experience. Through our project-based approach, learning is guided not by subjects, but by challenges and the need to overcome them. Active learning pedagogy and methodology are the core competencies of the school. Learning is achieved through group dynamics and diversity is a valuable learning resource. The students are active learners and do projects linked to real life. The subject areas are delivered through a concept based curriculum, and is nearly and totally integrated in a multidisciplinary way through projects. These learning processes are the foundation of our educational philosophy.

october 16

From L to R: Mrs. Anju Musafir and Dr. Pascal Chazot The teaching tools The teaching methodology includes tools such as the iPad, Cuisenaire Rods, Montessori material, theatre, multimedia, sports, technology etc to engage the learners with different learning styles and abilities. The pedagogy incorporates strategies from different movements: Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), art therapy, drama therapy, gestalt, yoga, technology infused teaching etc. The body and the senses are an important tool and the classroom pedagogy incorporates this dimension for a holistic learning. Our methodology promotes differential learning

and multiple intelligences; it also exploits the creativity of every student. Music, painting, dance, games are used as an approach to learning the content, art is not divorced from academics but an integral vector to learn it. How has the school

established Q leadership improvement agenda for

school through research practice? MGIS functions on democratic principles of self-governance. There is a functioning full student council and each class has a council. The rules are framed by the children. They participate in the functioning of the school

in the science of education and the technological revolution in communication. However, its interdependence is genuine as the teachers practicing in the school or in the Training Centre are an integral part of the Research Centre. • Over 150 articles on education in French and English in publications in Europe and Asia • Authored English and Environment textbooks for Classes 1-3 prescribed by Gujarat State Board. MGIS won an award for education in the category ‘Best Initiative in Best Public-Private Partnership in the field of Vocational Education and Skill Training’ at the World Education Summit 2012 in New Delhi. It is believed that the

has sequenced plan Q school for curriculum delivery

by voicing their likes, dislikes, problems and desires openly. There is no hierarchical structure but the teachers work together in a spirit of cooperation with the founders of the school. The school is student centric in its functioning. The Centre for ActionResearch in Education (CARE) is independent with the advances

ensuring consistent teaching accompanied by continuous assessment to monitor learning across the year. Please elucidate. If learning can be made fun, then so can evaluation. The process of evaluation is constructive with qualitative feedback given to help the learners improve. Assessment tasks are both formative and summative and are evaluated with criterion referenced grid that is shared with students before the assessment begins. Self assessment, peer group evaluation, teacher synthesis and parent feedback are also an integral part of the learning and evaluation process. Home visits to the student’s house are conducted during

the academic year to assess the student’s holistic development and adapt teaching methodology according to individual needs. Overall the process of evaluation and feedback is critical to further understanding and teachers strive to make it an enjoyable process as compared to the examination system, which creates fear among the students. Thorough approaches to learning and teaching are developed. The continual feedback and self reflection ensures academic rigour, creativity and overall development where students can realise their potential. The lesson plans adhere

the highest levels of Q toacademic enterprise.

The subject areas are delivered through a concept-based curriculum and is totally integrated in a multi-disciplinary way through projects. They breathe innovative pedagogy. The project-based approach adopts a diversity and real life learning situation in the classroom. Through class projects learning is constructed through the use of concrete pedagogical resources and experiences. Whether teachers are

continually to Q trained enhance and update their

know-how in the teachinglearning process to identify the learning needs of students? Mahatma Gandhi International School (MGIS) works to increase human knowledge and understanding of holistic child development. The research is conducted at MGIS and disseminated through the inhouse pedagogical training institute ADEPT. This centre is also the reservoir that provides october 16

INSTITUTIONAL PROFILE structural help to the school of application (MGIS) as it develops and evolves. This centre develops different training programs lasting: Hands-on training on a specific subject such as: • Project based Pedagogy • Innovative strategies for Teaching and Learning • Technology Infused Pedagogy • Normative, Formative and Summative Assessment • Optimising Communication • Train the trainer etc. How is your school able to succeed to equip students to excel in the competitive world?

We touch the future, we teach! The school aims to create compassionate world citizens concerned about others and their environment. Children are actively involved in community service and development projects that include teaching at local government schools, fund-raising for community development projects, cleaning places of tourist and archaeological importance. What kind of curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities the school has envisaged for the students?

The school also has affiliations with other institutions to offer extended campus facilities to students. Students go to Community Science Centre to seek expert guidance and specialised equipment, Shreyas Foundation for swimming, Gujarat College ground and Decathlon ground for football, cricket and basketball matches, and Kanoria Centre for the Arts to use specialised art equipment.

professionals in the field of media, film, radio, communication, theatre, dance, traditional arts and crafts, design, medicine, technology, engineering, business, music, mathematics, sciences, semiotics, literature etc. to offer lectures, workshops and hands on experience for our students.

Technology: MGIS has state of the art editing and recording studio facilities. We have a fully equipped IT lab and studio with high performance Apple computers, Final cut pro and other professional software, automatic scheduled back up hard disks (Drobo), iPads, Bose speakers, cameras and other professional audio-visual equipment.

curriculum is founded on a three-way partnership of parents, students and teachers to ensure full involvement in the child’s growth.” Could you describe?

Human Recourse: Every year we invite international and Indian

balanced, distinctive Q and academic education. The

“The school offers a broad

The school functions on democratic principles of selfgovernance. There is a functioning full student council and each class has a council. The rules are framed by the students. They participate in the functioning of the school by voicing their concerns, likes, dislikes, problems and desires openly. There is no hierarchical structure but the teachers work together in a spirit of cooperation with the founders of the school. MGIS has an extremely diverse, resourceful and knowledge-rich parent body. As part of the ongoing process to further strengthen the rapport between the parents and the school, a Parent Council has been formed to help in the following: • Managing external resources for students’ knowledge acquiring process. Helping class teachers organise field trips. • Getting experts to deliver small talks or interactive sessions on myriad subjects. • Getting necessary feedback from parents. • Acting as a bridge between the Parent body and the school.

october 16

SPECIAL FEATURE

Ms. Anne Sivanathan Educationist, Malaysia

What is purposeful

PLAY?

PLAY IS A RIGHT AND NOT A PRIVILEGE.

A space for children must be stocked with materials that invite exploration, ignites the imagination, require initiative and prompt collaboration.

dults recognise that pretending play helps children find their way into the world, most adults think of play as separate from formal learning. The reality is quite different. As children play they develop vital cognitive, language, social and emotional skills. Discoveries are made, language gets extensive, experimenting with literacy and math, learning to self regulate and interacting with others in a socially appropriate manner like turn taking.

LISTEN

child brings the real world closer to him or her. The child is building the feeling that the world is his, to understand, to interpret, and to figure out and through this thinking; imaginative skills and reasoning are being demonstrated. These are attitudes much needed to be ingrained in young children, our future leaders. In the 20th century, the Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky made the related argument that children’s thinking develops through activity based learning and social interactions with adults and peers.

I observed a classroom where there were materials for make believe, children were seen to be witches, rock stars and mothers. In the painting area a boy dips his brush into paint and paints the paper then he decides to use his fingers to paint the paper, what a discovery! A young girl was having a conversation with her doll in the pram and she told me that she is ‘mummy ‘

Play has long lasting benefits. What we refer to, as self-regulation in the early years becomes resiliency in secondary schools. Many young adults when been given ample play opportunities having the roots set right in early childhood, appear to be persistent, planners, great communicators and the capacity to collaborate and this are the traits that make college or career readiness.

Investing in training and materials on On the grass a boy was seen playing with his cars and As a teacher the improving quality he then did the same thing on the floor, a lesson on power of observation must not be ignored. science here. I observed and asked him ‘Where do you is a great asset, as This is a strong and enjoy playing with your cars? His response was ‘ on the this will enable the important start. The floor because the car moves faster’. teacher to shift from need to help parents, one group to another, administrators and talking to children about spending their time. Adults caring policy makers see what children their ‘play’ for children must believe that play themselves know intuitively, a are meaningful. smart investment is a classroom Play at any age is fun and that pulses with meaningful play interesting which makes day The child projects his or her and the adult must get down on care centres and schools, a place own pattern of the world into the floor and play. where children look forward to the play and through this the october 16

MENTORING

PRINCIPAL AS LEADER BRAINFEED brings out the fifth in the series of responses of eminent educationist Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandey, Principal, Ahlcon International School, (Global Perspective, Indian Values) to the questions of Principals about effective qualities of ‘Principal as Leader.

‘Principal as Leader’ will be a regular feature published every month. Principals may send their queries and Dr. Ashok Pandey will answer. The queries may be sent to editor@ brainfeedmagazine.com on or before 15th of every month.

Mrs. Kakoli Das Gupta Principal, Subhash Public School, Jharkhand leadership?

What preparation does a principal need for developing instructional

The principal of a school is essentially the chief academic leader. Let us remember that purpose of school is the education of the children and the reason for a school to be is the child. It’s often forgotten in the course of the principalship. In most of the cases, one reaches up to the position of a principal through their hard work, dedication and contribution as a classroom teacher, mentor, and friend to the children. After assuming the position of the leadership one should not give up this privilege and responsibility. If the standards of the teachinglearning are to be maintained,teachers are to be prepared for the job, innovations are to be encouraged, the principal has to lead, set the pace for the change and be a coach for all.

october 16

Mr. Mohd. Abad Ali Principal, New Vision High School, Khammam

How do principal and teachers work together to create a collaborative focus on learning?

Henry Ford famously said, “Coming together is the beginning, staying together is the progress, working together is success”. This sums up what collaboration is all about. Ford himself was a great collaborator having invited his colleague Thomas Edison and Cyclist –Tom Cooper to collaborate in designing his best models. The principal can create a magical environment by offering collaborating opportunities. Several of the school specific issues could be solved in a collaborative problem-solving mechanism. Working in a group on a common goal multiplies the individual strengths. In collaboration, the total is always more than the sum of the individuals. For collaborations to succeed, the principal must create a culture of taking initiative, walking an extra mile, creativity and asking for and providing help to each other.

Mrs. Uma Pandey Principal, Asnani School, Bhopal, MP

How does a principal tackle any untoward incident happening on the campus?

It is a cliché, almost, to say that prevention is better than cure. Fair enough! But the value of proactively preventing an untoward situation in a school related to safety, disciplinary and medical issues cannot be ignored. Having sound infrastructural measures in place, in an active and functional state, with people in readiness can also avoid many difficult situations. Having said that,I must add that the principal has to be alert, vigilant and intuitive. In the event of an unfortunate occurrence, one should not lose the calm and poise. Emotional reactions must be replaced by mature responses. Principal’s woes are many and varied. A child falling off the swings, another a victim of bullying or other accidents, an angry parent, a child in the need of emergency medical attention, an unpleasant spectacle in the staffroom are only a few of those problems. Each of these requires a careful, appropriate, timely and committed response. There may be situations that require adherence to regulatory, legal and constitutional provisions. They may fall under child abuse, sexual harassment, bullying etc.

Dr. Pandit Viswanath Sharma Founder, Rani Laxmi Bai Public School, Jhansi, UP

What good qualities are required to be a good school leader?

A good school leader first and foremost has to have the trust of the team .People trusting you will respond to you with great enthusiasm. Leaders with unstable temper are avoided by the team. A leader is also expected to add value to people’s lives and organizational processes. I, therefore advocate that a principal has to endeavor to be a coach and affiliative leader rather than one commanding things around. Robin Sharma, of the “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari”fame, puts it as,“Leadership is not a popularity contest, it is all about leaving the ego at the door, the name of the game is to lead without a title”.

What advice would a principal give to a teacher to help her become a part of making school a better place? Mr. Ramachandra Reddy Correspondent, Sai Baba High School, Kadapa

Everybody around a leader aspires to have conversations around hope and possibilities. The teachers in a school are no exception to this rule. They have their aspirations; there must be a window of opportunity for fulfillment of those. Schools like any other organizations run on the strength of team building rooted in deep work culture. If the teachers are part of the goal setting, planning, and execution, they take pride in reaching the goal and they all develop a sense of achievement. The big picture story narrates that the leader must succeed in tying the team members with the vision of the organisation. Yes, one should not forget that in the schools we over celebrate the success of the students in comparison to the achievements of the teachers. There is a lot one can do about it.

Mr. Krishna Mohan Principal, Sri Vijaya Sai EM School, Bodan

How does a principal motivate her staff to remain in a heightened state of efficiency?

Motivations are not external to the organisation. They are contextual. The threshold is determined by the organisational culture, leadership influence and a premium on building intellectual capital for the school. The individual motivation has transcended the intrinsic - extrinsic binary. The extent of fulfillment, personal growth, self-worth is the new norm of employee motivation. One thing that works best with the teachers is to give them the opportunity to learn, share and grow in the profession. They are assets for the organisation only as long as they are treated as such and organisations take upon themselves to invest in them. october 16

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PHOBIA

Karuna Raj

SCHOOL

PHOBIA What is school phobia? Why do some children avoid going to school?

They make excuses to stay away from school. They have an irrational persistent fear, are sensitive and cannot cope up with emotions. They feel insecure and become physically ill at the thought of attending school. Phobia is fear and people need to know the causes for it and also the symptoms so that the child can be helped to get rid of it.

october 16

Symptoms:

• Frequent stomachache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, exhaustion • Clinginess, tantrums, panic when required to separate from a parent • Exaggerated fear of school • Constant thoughts concerning the safety of self and others. Causes: Experiencing family issues/ change, moving to a new place, illness, separation, divorce, death, financial problems, and difficulty

Suketu, a student of class ten, always had problem attending his school on Mondays and Wednesdays. Whenever he came to school on these two days he would become sick, right in the assembly he would start complaining of stomach ache or headache or some other problem and faint in the assembly. His parents would be called to take him back home. His parents were worried and teachers were puzzled. No one could understand what his problem was. His medical tests were negative. Doctors’ reports confirmed that he was absolutely normal and had no health issues. Parents were advised to consult a psychologist. It was discovered that the boy suffered from school phobia. in understanding a subject, common childhood behaviour problem, fear of criticism, ridicule, confrontation, learning disabilities, tests, receive poor grades, appearance, weight, height, peer bullying etc. Most children have occasional temper tantrums or outbursts but when the child repeatedly lashes out or is defiant or can’t control his/her temper, shows sign of panic or anxiety. It can seriously impair his/her functioning in school or can cause serious family turmoil. It means the child is suffering from chronic school phobia.

How to get rid of this problem? Two different approaches are suggested to get rid of this problem. The first challenge is to help child manage his behaviour and to understand why is he/she doing so? Frequent outbursts may lead to headache or fever. The clinicians call this as “emotional deregulation.” Disruptive, explosive behaviour stems from anxiety or frustration that may not be apparent to parents or teachers. The common disorders:

ODD: (OPPOSITIONAL DEFICIENT DISORDER):

The children who refuse to follow directions or instructions, have negative, hostile or deficient behaviour are suffering with ODD. Symptoms – losing temper frequently, argue with adults, disobey rules and requests, and get annoyed easily.

ANXIETY DISORDER (OCD –SOCIAL ANXIETY):

When the child finds difficulty in coping with situations that cause distress he/she may oppose to escape or avoid the source of fear or may lash out at other child if he finds himself in difficult situation may become extremely upset and scream at his parents if he does not get constant reassurance from them to manage his obsessive fears. The child who can’t express in words or nobody is listening to him/her then they go into freezing or complete meltdowns.

ADHD:

Those with impulsivity and hyperactivity may be intentionally oppositional. These children cannot sit still, grab things from others, make inappropriate remarks, can’t wait for their turn, interrupt others, act without thinking, this is the result of their impaired

executive functioning skills, inability to think ahead or assess their behaviour. People are unable to understand that their explosive behaviour escalates due to lack of focus, inability to do work and tolerate boredom.

LEARNING DISORDERS:

Such behaviour is also possible due to an undiagnosed learning disorder, difficulty in mastering math skills, unable to solve problems, makes him/ her irritable, frustrated or when he knows next class is math’s class – he/she becomes master at discipline, don’t want to expose his/her vulnerability and struggle to others, instead of seeking help create diversion.

SENSORY PROCESSING PROBLEMS:

Children who find difficulty in processing sensory information have extreme disruptive behaviour when their senses are feeling overwhelmed, they scream when their face gets wet, throw violent tantrum when you try to get them dressed, they crash into walls or people, and put inedible things like rocks, paints into their mouth. The sensory processing issues lead to the “fight or flight” responses, when they are overloaded with sensory inputs, their panicked reactions can put them in real danger.

Steps To Be Taken By Parents: • Have the child examined by a physician or psychologist. • Listen to the child, talk about school to detect any clues why he/she does not want to go to school? • Talk to school teacher/ counsellor and psychologist. • Try to determine a possible cause or causes for avoiding schools. • Develop an appropriate action plan to modify the school/ home environment to help the child adjust. Ideas For School Modifications • Establish a caring relationship with the child with the help of a counsellor. • Arrange for school staff to greet the parent and child at the door and take the child to the class. • Help the child to build self confidence by discovering his strengths and by providing opportunities for the child to excel. • Find out the activities that the child enjoys doing and those that produce anxiety. • Monitor bullying activities. • Adjust work assignment to match student’s academic skills. october 16

ORIENTATION

Peeyush Khare Yale University USA

ORIENTING YOUNG MINDS TOWARDS RESEARCH AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL PROSPERITY I

n general, intelligence and curiosity helically and inextricably curve around each other, which means it is likely that an intelligent lifeform will also be quite inquisitive. Humans are a very obvious and in the known habitable universe, the strongest example of this evolutionary coupling. We have the ability to observe and comprehend the intricacies of a large number of physical phenomena recognized by our senses. In sync with our increasing understanding over time, we have modified what is naturally available into way more complex contrivances raising our

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species above all others on Earth. Human society has now arrived at a point in its advancement where most of the straight-forward, naked eye observations have been accounted for and can no longer push The world now has many multi- us forward. They certainly disciplinary, do continue to complicated systems working demonstrate in coordination the inherent in the backdrop curiosity to hold the embedded in anthropogenic our genes but infrastructure technologies together in the based on way we see it around us. simple physical

contraptions are rapidly phasing out. For example, no one at the forefront of science today is interested in concentrating energy with a lens using sunlight but many are interested in the more difficult idea of reducing the speed of sunlight. A plethora of such examples exist not only in science and engineering but also in other fields such as business where economy has evolved from barter system into a complex planetary scale organism feeding on the monetary activities of billions of people. The world now has many multi-disciplinary, complicated systems working in coordination in the backdrop to hold the anthropogenic infrastructure together in the way we see it around us. Introducing a novelty in this setup to take it to the next evolutionary level is an extremely challenging feat and hence is highly valued. It is generally clear that nations which are continually experimenting with new ideas and are therefore eventually coming out with successful applications are ahead of others in terms of their prosperity and quality of human life.

Living in the western world, I observe that the confidence to build and try out something new is instilled quite early on during studies in an individual and that confidence then stays on for life. Here, students are encouraged to work very hard to maintain originality and to believe in their ability to invent or explore while also staying ready to fail in trying. It is seen as perfectly fine to fail if you did sweat hard in trying to succeed. Courses deal with stateof-the-art ideas and the evaluation process requires a student to produce their own opinions or ideas using their intellectual capacity while of course learning from useful literature. Performing such an evaluation is exacting on teachers because of the variability in student responses but this is also where the teaching spirit is put to test. The teachers are responsible for individually assessing a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s originality, identifying scopes of improvement and continually encouraging thinking out of the box wherever possible. There is some flexibility in the transaction of knowledge between a student and a teacher

The teachers are responsible for individually assessing a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s originality, identifying scopes of improvement and continually encouraging thinking out of the box wherever possible. in that answers do not necessarily have to come from the prescribed book in class for them to be correct. Students are motivated to research multiple sources of information- printed, collected on field or videoed and ask questions. In this way, the collective effort of both students and teachers produces a good number of educated individuals and not all such informed individuals who graduated regurgitating information from only a prescribed text book. A mode of academic operation of this kind results in students and in turn a national workforce which does not wait for other countries to innovate but rather strives to stay on top by generating its own novel solutions to its existing problems. The fundamental aspiration behind this endeavor is to employ the combined mental creativity to build a nation that is a leader and not merely a follower in the international arena.

It is tremendously important to understand that a sincere ambition to be among the top nations in the world has to be backed by a strong affinity towards indigenous research and innovation within its citizenry. In its absence, we are only a collection of a billion consumers pumping away our monetary reserves to other countries to buy and showcase things we do not even know how to make. An increased resourcefulness as a result of research and innovation also impacts other forms of international transactions. As an example, while technological prowess amplifies military strength without draining billions of dollars from national reserves to outside, it gives us an upper hand in negotiating political or economic deals with countries who might depend on our technological exports. Similar benefits could be foreseen in innovating in medicine, economics or other scientific fronts. The inquisitiveness even though is present in human genes has to be brought out in personality in an effective manner through proper nurturing and training. It is challenging to make a beautiful vas out of an intellectually shapeless lump that an individual is in his or her early stages of life. But the rewards of accomplishing this challenge are grand and numerous for a nation. India is a large and diverse country in terms of every aspect of its demography as well as geography. To set our place among the best in the world, we will indispensably need to foster generations with the confidence to innovate and the courage to fail, standup and reinnovate when necessary. october 16

EDUCATION

Sana Syed

Bridging the Gap between

LEARNING & EDUCATION

The difference between education and learning becomes evident when the current Indian school education system is studied in the light of the recently published UNESCO report that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;India could be late by 50 years in achieving the education goalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Contrastingly, the 10th Annual Survey Education Report (ASER 2014) underlines that for the

past 6 years there has been over 96 percent enrollment in schools for the children between 6-14 age group. 36

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According to ASER, India is close to achieving universal enrollment for that age group, which constitutes the primary level of education. The contrast is stark to miss. So, where lies the problemin the education system, the method of learning, the teaching technique or further deep in the socio-economic factors?

So, while the children are enrolled and attending regular classes they are not learning adequately. It is not difficult to understand that even without substantive learning how the children are getting promoted to higher classes.

In a recent statement, Mr. Manish Sisodia, the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi pointed out that around 74 percent of children studying in government schools in the capital are not able to read. Let us not forget that the situation is hardly better in private schools.

Mr. Rakesh Saha, the Programme Development Director of Make a Difference (MAD), an NGO working towards ensuring better life for children in orphanages and street shelters, rightly points out the missing link of Indian education system. “Under our school education system children are assigned to classes based on their age and not their competency. In our case several children start formal schooling only after they join the shelter. So, it is common to find a ten year old child who has never been to a school enrolled in class 5.”

The outcome of such a system is bound to be disastrous. While the children progress each year in their class through rote learning and lenient methods of assessment, they gain little or no practical knowledge of their subjects. Mr. Saha explains further, “these practices are good intentioned and could be successful, if the school is able to provide additional help to such children to catch up. But unfortunately, the schools are severely under-resourced and overcrowded to provide this kind of support leading those children to fall behind in their journey to achieve basic knowledge”.

Besides, the pressure on teachers to adhere to syllabus based teaching practices is yet another culprit. The rush to finish the syllabus leaves teachers with little choice to pay attention to the individual requirement of each child. Ms. Daniela Florentina Gheorghe, Co-founder Vchalk and a Social Entrepreneur in Education, underscores the introduction of aptitude based grouping within a class as the answer to the gap in learning within a particular class of students. Her personal journey from a young trainee at Frontier Market Scouts who came to Jaipur in 2011 for an internship, to a passionate Social Entrepreneur championing the cause of effective learning is an inspiring one.

she adds.

She feels the answer to it lies in activity based teaching and grouping of children according to their aptitude called, ‘teaching at the right level’. Ms. Georghe and her partner Anil Bishnoi, an engineer from Rajasthan University and software professional, developed an app Ezy learning to help teachers organise effective catch-up classes for students in primary level Mathematics and English. Their organisation Vchalk has a long term goal of reaching 10 lakh (1 million) kids living in the semi urban areas to equip them with basic learning skills. Efforts of individuals and groups championing the cause of learning are highly appreciable, yet a Working with some of systematic change is the Learning is the lowest income group need of the hour. a continuous people such as artisans, process and To revolutionise the rural housewives and the education school education system like rag pickers of Rajasthan, system by keeping the any other Assam and Telangana idea of learning at the sector requires respectively, Ms. revamping and core needs serious Georghe realised that reorganising to deliberation on the part of good education for their remain effective. educators, academicians, children is the only dream policy makers and parents. The of these people. “What I found was government is doing its part by that the low income group people devising policies and methods to were actually spending a greater encourage parents to send their percentage of their income on children to school through various child education as compared to poor friendly policies but there is people with moderate income, yet still lack of basic infrastructure in quality education was a distant schools, primarily running in rural dream for them. The children areas. Overcrowded classes and studying at even the classes IV ill equipped education facilities and V levels in government run or coupled with negligent teaching affordable private schools could practices make quality education not read simple English text or a challenging goal. There is solve elementary Mathematics an urgent need to focus on the problem. It is painful for parents glaring fact the UNESCO report to know that their children are underlines to bring any positive not learning even after attending change. regular school for 4 to 5 years”,

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INTERVIEW

Vanalatha

multifaceted personality with a great vision to achieve in whatever field she gets into, Dr. Mariazeena Johnson, Managing Director, Sathyabama University, Chennai, is a stalwart of excellence and achievement. She plays a major role in moulding students by imparting value based education. She has a great vision of redefining the way of education system by creating effective curriculum. She is a recipient of many prestigious awards. In January this year, she was awarded with the most Impactful Woman in the Field of Education by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). The contest was Recently she launched to mark won the Women the celebration Transforming of International India Award. Women’s Day 2016 with the aim NITI Aayog, in to recognise the collaboration women change with MyGov and makers of the nation. 25 entries the UN in India, were shortlisted had organised out of 1000 the Women participants and Transforming the jury selected India Contest. top 12 change makers in India. Dr Mariazeena has been selected for the award, for being a revolutionary educationist.

Being a versatile person, she lives on the mantra, “Never be a source of PERSPIRATION. Always be a source of INSPIRATION.”

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Read on….to what this versatile personality shares about her achievement and the education system of our country.

Dr. Mariazeena Johnson

A VISIONARY

IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION

Education is the key to future which will help girls to validate all their actions. From nearly 1000 entries, 25 were shortlisted and you were one among the 25. You are the only woman from the field of education to receive this award. How did you feel about this achievement? I am definitely elated by this honour bestowed on me. I thank the jury for having selected me for achievement in the field of education. I am passionate about providing the right education to the deserving and going over and above for the cause of education for the underprivileged, is something that I am committed to. Despite the detriments and setbacks in their lives certain people are aspiring to lead dignified lives. I am indeed humbled by their perseverance and I am happy to support them through providing them the right education. As an iconic feminist and a revolutionary educationist, what are the philanthropic activities you undertake? I am the patron of Anbu Foundation which contributes to the development of communities, and individuals by supporting projects that foster capacitybuilding, entrepreneurship and employment generation. I believe education is the only path for inclusive growth of the nation. I support victims of acid attacks and the differently abled by providing them a platform for education and holistic development. My philanthropic activities include exclusive programmes for visually challenged and underprivileged children; Adoption of HIV affected Children, My Saturday University, Government School Adoption Programme and Village Adoption Programme.

You are also considered as the most impactful woman in India in the field of education. Please comment. What advice would you like to give to the present generation girls? I am earnestly grateful for the recognition that I have received for my work. I also greet all the nominees who have represented their incredible contributions to the community. My advice to young girls is that they have to raise their own bars. They should only be charged with positive energy and they should know how to push away anything or anybody that obstructs them. What are the lacunas in the present school education system? How can we overcome it? Education in our country requires reformation and lack of it has been blamed for all sorts of evil for hundreds of years. The mind numbing competition and rote learning do not only crush the creativity and originality of millions of Indian students every year, it also drives brilliant students to fail in their aspirations.

Please highlight about Sathyabamasat and My Saturday School. What is done in this programme? My Saturday School programme was initiated to help the students of the adopted villages. Their exposure to the modern day science and recent advancements is limited. Hence they are brought to the university campus on Saturdays when their school is not working to attend special laboratory sessions on maths, science and languages. This initiative has been much appreciated by the students and there has been considerable increase in their learning and creativity. Now-a-days, children are exposed to social and digital media. What do you feel about this trend? How do you motivate the younger generation?

In spite of its abundant uses for the children there are definitely concerns regarding the cyber security and safety of information sharing. Too much time spent on the digital media can isolate them from direct interactions Dynamic curriculum, based with family and on practice and friends. Exposure experiential learning I believe education to Inappropriate is the most required and dangerous is the only path for form of education in content can pose inclusive growth all streams in this a serious threat digital era. of the nation. to their mental wellbeing. Encouraging them to balance digital and social media activities with more physical and social hobbies such as sports, arts or physical meetings with friends and peers should be appropriate measures to curb social media addiction. Prescribed time of usage with limits is a must. october 16

ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION

Sana Syed

HOMESCHOOLING

PROMISES AND CHALLENGES “The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think - rather to improve our minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the memory with the thoughts of other men.” – James Beattie he above statement effectively underlines the essence of education. The origin of school system as a means of education in its present form can be traced back to recent history (19th century). Schools established a uniform system of education for the dissemination of knowledge. With advancement of learning and assimilation of newer branches of study, the school education evolved into a more profound system of learning. Gradually, academic performance became directly related to professional achievement. Cementing of this relationship brought in unsolicited competition that eventually narrowed down knowledge to academic excellence. Somewhere, meeting the syllabus deadline in a limited timeframe the joy of unbridled learning was lost.

Not all is lost when one comes across the idea of homeschooling. Since ages, training at home has been at the core of human existence. So, why not complete learning at home without the pressure of competing with peers or the limitation of learning according to the syllabus?

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Homeschooling enables children to discover the joy of learning and exploring according to their interest. But is it that simple? Of course not, there is a great pressure on parents to justify their decision of homeschooling against the established education system. It requires complete dedication on the part of parents to observe and devise an education plan to suit their child’s learning needs. Staying focussed and dedicated is a challenge both for the parents and the children in an unconventional set up.

Individuals like Malvika Joshi, the 17 yearold girl, who made it to the Massachusetts Institute of Technolgy (MIT) for a degree programme in science, without any formal education concretises the faith in homeschooling. Malvika was doing exceedingly well in her class when her parents decided to pull her off from the school. She had a keen interest in programming which could not have been pursued with complete dedication, if she continued with the formal education. Malvika bagged three medals (2 silver and 1 bronze) at the International Olympiad of Informatics also known as the Programming Olympiad, which opened the door to MIT.

Besides, the Right to Information Act of 2009 (RTI) creates a unique challenge to homeschoolers in India. The act states that all children must have ‘free and compulsory education at school’, but lays no definite guidelines for homeschooling parents.

Her mother Supriya Joshi is among the founding members of Swashikshan, the revolutionary homeschooling programme that is gradually gaining momentum. Schools provide social milieu to the children and in course help in developing their social skills through regular interaction with their peers and teachers. When it comes to homeschooling, parents have to take care that their children are not targeted unduly in their social environment and they have the right answer to troubling questions like, ‘How can you learn when you do not go to school?’

Homeschooling seems to many a huge risk as compared to formal schooling. The fear is not unfounded though. In India, the pressure on students to outperform their peers to carve a niche as a successful professional is tremendous and it is bound to create insecurity and the fear to fail in an individual. Homeschooling is a big decision where parents take up everything in their hand right from educational development to social grooming of the child.

Some words of relief came from the then HRD Minister, Mr. Kapil Sibal who in an interview to The times of India clarified the stance on homeschooling and said, “The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 wants every child to be in school, but if somebody decides not to send his/her child to school, we are not going to interfere. The compulsion is on the state, not on the parents. Parents are free not to send their children to school, but teach them at home.” In India, homeschooling is still in its nascent phase where the concept is little known. It requires an out of box approach, sincere commitment and a disciplined environment to take up homeschooling. In order to gain momentum, practicing homeschoolers have to take up an open approach to generate debate and discussion in public domain. Coming together of diverse learning techniques can help in reforming the established educational practices and open new doors of effective learning. october 16

EVENT REVIEW

ACHARYA DEVO BHAVA AWARDS-2016 Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheshwara Guru Sakshat Param Brahma Tasmai Shree Gurave Namaha.

he ancient Guru sloka sums up the role of Guru in the society. The BRAINFEED GROUP has endeavoured to continue the age-old tradition of honouring and paying respects to the ‘Gurus’ on the occasion of ‘Acharya Devo Bhava Awards 2016’, organized on September 20, 2016 at Daspalla Hotel, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. Dr. Konnijeti Rosaiah, former Governor of Tamil Nadu and erstwhile Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Prof. T. Papi Reddy, Chairman, Telangana State Council of Higher Education, Dr. K. Rammohan Reddy, Member, Telangana Public Service Commission, Shri. S. V. Krishna Reddy, Film Director and Ms. Daniela F Gheorghe, Co-Founder, V Chalk were the Guests of Honour.

About 250 eminent educationists, School Correspondents, Principals and senior Teachers attended the Awards ceremony. A moderate 100 teachers were honoured with the Acharya Devo Bhava Awards. Prof. T. Papi Reddy congratulated BRAINFEED organisers for a very useful function for teachers. He recounted how the Government in South Korea played a significant role in the overall development of education. He said that school teachers there were of

the best brains and they preferred to teaching in Primary Schools. In Finland, the Government and the society gave utmost importance to teachers. “Salutations to the entire ‘Gurus’, who ‘transformed’ me to become a teacher,” said Dr. K. Rammohan Reddy. Saint Kabir respected his teacher more than God, he

The programme began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by all the guests. The students of Brahmam Talent School, S.R. Nagar, Hyderabad, recited Ganapathy Sloka and rendered Saraswathi Vandana. Dr. Konnijeti Rosaiah honoured senior Principals and experienced teachers with Acharya Devo Bhava Awards.

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From L to R: Shri. S. V. Krishna Reddy, Dr. K. Rammohan Reddy, Prof. T. Papi Reddy and Dr. Daniela Gheorge

Gheorge

remarked. He emphasized that teachers only created all other professionals and teachers alone could bring enlightenment in the society. He thanked the BRAINFEED organisers for inviting him. Dr. C Rama Devi, Senior Principal, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Public School, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, recollected her unique experience with the late President Dr A.P.J.Abdul Kalam. She said that receiving ‘Acharya Devo Bhava Award’ was special because she experienced ‘unique vibration’! Dr. Aninda Chatterjee, Principal, Cathedral Vidya School, Lonavala, said that he was humbled. He reported that all other professions

will have ceased to exist by 2025 except teaching profession. He appealed to the audience to think what they could do to guide children to the unknown future world. Dr. Konnijeti Rosaiah, in his keynote address, complimented the efforts taken by Shri. K. V. Brahmam, Chief Editor, BRAINFEED for successfully bringing out very useful information, articles, educationally relevant news and updates for the benefit of students and teachers and others and serving the society since 2013. He said that publishing such a magazine was a very tough task and Shri. K. V. Brahmam managed it extremely well. He informed that BRAINFEED had touched a circulation of about 50,000 copies. It was indeed a commendable achievement. He congratulated BRAINFEED organizing events such as ‘Acharya Devo Bhava’, in honour of teachers. Dr. Rosaiah congratulated all the teachers who received the Awards. Shri. K. V. Brahmam, felicitated Dr K Rosaiah.

Shri. S. V. Krishna Reddy, Film Director, in his special speech said that he was humbled before the erudite teachers. He said that teachers could learn from their experiences in classrooms and from students. Shri. S.V. Krishna Reddy was felicitated by Shri. Kondaiah. Dr. K. Rammohan Reddy, Member, Telangana Public Service Commission, honoured teachers with ‘Acharya Devo Bhava Awards’. Shri. Francis Joseph, Co-Founder, School Leaders Network, made a brief presentation on ‘Change or Be changed’. Ms. Arshiya Afzar, In-Charge, City Centre, made a brief presentation on Iris Florets, the brainchild of Shri. Yandamoori Virendranath. Shri. SreeNivas, DirectorSales, BRAINFEED made a comprehensive power-point presentation about various activities of BRAINFEED. Dr. Daniela Gheorge gave away the awards to the teachers. In her speech she explained how in India the under-privileged have been deprived of education. She said that kids went to schools but never learnt anything and reiterated that teaching should be at the right level. Shri. K. V. Brahmam, Chief Editor, BRAINFEED felicitated Prof. T.Papi Reddy and Shri. Anji Reddy. october 16

ACHARYA DEVO BHAVA AWARDS-2016 Gallery

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ACHARYA DEVO BHAVA AWARDS-2016 Gallery

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ACHARYA DEVO BHAVA AWARDS-2016 Gallery

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SPORTS

Dr. George Selleck

hen I was a child, we played naturally, joyfully, and constantly. All we needed to have fun was a ball, or a tree, or some paper and crayons. If some kind of water was involved, even better! We played from dawn to dusk. We played outside, and on our own. Everyone was included. We organized baseball and football games, and sometimes we just made up games. There were lots of playgrounds, empty lots, and child-friendly streets. We enjoyed face-to-face cooperation and friendship. The everyday exercise and pick-up games kept us fit. Recreation and physical education fostered good classroom conduct and learning. It was a testing ground for valuable life lessons and a natural, unscripted source of happiness. What does play look like today? Video games, phone apps, vanishing budgets for school P.E. classes and other sports activities. At the opposite end of the spectrum, you have the elite club athletes whose goal is a prestigious scholarship, a national or world championship, or the Olympics. There is nothing inherently bad in the latter, but it’s something that only a small percentage of families can participate in and afford. And squarely in the middle are the school and community Free play and sports teams, exploration which are are, organized historically, and directed the means by which children by adults. learn to solve In fact, their own children’s problems, freedom control their to play and own lives, explore on and develop their own, and become independent competent of direct adult in their own guidance and interests.

The Benefits of Play

Play V to occupy oneself in amusement, sport, or some other activity in which there is an opportunity to have fun, learn something, and make a mess.

There is no doubt that play is essential to the development of our young people. But whether you’re young or not so young, play can: • Relieve stress. • Improve brain function. • Stimulate the mind and boost creativity. • Improve relationships and your connection to others. • Keep you feel young and energetic. • Help develop and improve social skills. • Teach cooperation. • Heal emotional wounds.

direction, has declined greatly in recent decades. What can you as a parent do to encourage your kids to be more playful? You should also set a good example by participating in physical activity with your child and making activities available to your child. Encourage them to

try different sports rather than sticking to one because they are good at it or it is convenient. There is no need to direct every aspect of child’s play. By depriving children of opportunities to play on their own, away from direct adult supervision and control, we are depriving them of opportunities to learn how to take control of their own lives. october 16

ANALYSIS

Karuna Raj

BALANCE BETWEEN MENTORING The Child’s Academic

PARENTING Professional Career

nfluence of parents life balance which has its own parent? The teacher-parent has play a vital role on the challenges in current scenario. to take care of the two fronts child’s academic and The career should enhance the simultaneously. There are times professional career. The values life, not take over it. One realises when the struggle to find balance which are instilled in them what is right as a teacher and what one’s priorities when the child of by parents become deciding a teacher says mother you are not is right as a parent comes up as factors like interest for reading listening to me and thinking of both the roles have accountability books, respect for service, only your work commitments. So and both roles have more in honour curiosity, values and every work needs to be planned common. For a teacher-parent honesty. Teaching like parenting and time scheduled to avoid it is important to have work is a challenging job that negligence towards the children requires certain amount and sacrifices on the part of a Honesty of participation to fully teacher-parent losing one’s Practicality understand the job. individuality. Piety Teachers equip the “Teaching can make a students with academic person a better parent skills and ability to and being a parent can Courage choose and decide their Service make a person a better profession in future. teacher.” The wisdom Here is an analogy of a of these words can be role of a teacher-parent. fulfilled if every work is Sincerity timed to minute, as the’ How can a teacher who Modesty is also a parent maintain to do’ list for a teacher is balance between the two never ending. The classroom roles as a teacher and a arms the teacher with tools

Compassion

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Generosity

she needs as a mother like to keep calm in crisis, encourage the children to explore and be independent, dealing with demands of the children. Teaching can help smooth transition to motherhood; the work of the mother makes a teacher more compassionate, flexible and a patient teacher, it’s a constant reminder that ultimately kids are kids you need to give time and attention to them which is their due. The present day kids are juggling a lot to balance their activities – playing, daily homework, extra learning, project work, attend their tuition classes and attend their hobby classes.

Work Life Triangle WORK

(What we do, careers, housework, chores, etc)

Relationship

Self-Care

(Personal, friendships, partners, spouses, children)

(Spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, health, wellness, exercise)

time that too As the teacherIt is very difficult for a flies off. mother has to teacher-parent to balance send her children the two works but to Teacher to school, making raise confident, capable mothers can food, packing of navigating the world, be model to lunch, cleaning thoughtful and innovative children in up, complete children teachers have showing by her school work, to nurture themselves as lesson planning, creative individuals despite doing what they love and make grading, evaluating the chaos of life or they difference in assignments and may face failure at the two their lives, this prepare for her fronts. will enable teaching classes them to pursue the field of their and get ready to go to school. It interest and excel in it. Opinions is very difficult to find a balance are that education jobs are most between the work of a mother difficult, stressful and low paid and the work of a teacher and the but at the end of the day they work individual passion in day to day with children which is far better mania of life, there is very little to work with adults. The teacher Benefits of work/life balance AT WORK

IN LIFE

• Feeling more rested and energized

• Improving relationships with family and friends

• List your daily priorities, merging your routine with children’s schedule. • Share the chores: it’s not just the work of woman alone but everyone’s, include the children too so that they learn the importance of everyone doing their part. • Form a support network; remain connected to family, neighbourhood, friends and children. • The concept of choice: it has emotional and financial costs. Some choose it ‘to have it all’ –family and career. Some suspend their career aspirations and choose as ‘family first’. • Be up front and clear about your commitments; make sure to meet the deadlines you have agreed on the assignments.

• Better physical and mental health

• Say no to children when it is necessary not very often that they stop asking, honour the reasonable requests of the children and don’t say no for wrong reasons.

• More leisure time to spend with loved ones, or time for yourself

• A teacher-parent can connect better with parents, empathise with students, can work smarter.

• Working more productively and getting more accomplished, leading • Making choices about to greater career successs your priorities, rather than sacrifices among them • More fulfillment from work

needs to be innovative, effective, often reinventing, focused and stay grounded, go through the trails and tribulations. Without nurturing oneself as a creative individual, one will not have the energy or inspiration to do the best work at home as a mother or in the classroom as a teacher. Being a parent makes you more empathetic, the better parent you are, and the greater teacher too. The key to find right balance between mentoring and parenting is to plan and get organised. Here are some strategies:

october 16

ENTREPRENEUR

Vanalatha

and get greater chances of success in their future. To build their character, they should boost their confidence.

RESHAPING THEIR FUTURE

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS any people dream, but only a few decide to do something about them. Dreams only come true when you are focused towards your plan and have the will to overcome all the challenges you face in your path. Gone are the days that to be a successful businessman, one would need to be born with a silver spoon.

The coolest and trendiest word among the youngsters now-a-days is ‘ENTREPRENEURSHIP’. There is a need to give

october 16

them the platform, where they can explore their strengths and work on their weaknesses. Why schools should teach entrepreneurship? Students need to understand what it really takes to be an entrepreneur which in turn will lead them to become a global leader. Skills like critical thinking, problem

solving, communication, risk bearing, team work and self reliance can be learnt. Starting a business involves risks and failures, so educating the students to have determination will help them deal the challenges along the way. If students at an early age are taught to overcome failure, there are chances that they will learn the art of failing

The ‘young entrepreneur’ is a programme to students to help them discover the rewards and challenges of becoming an entrepreneur. The students learn to work in team. They learn to deal with a lot of things before starting up. They create passion and have strong ideas.

Children and youth are the building blocks of a nation. The country needs dynamic minds to come forward with the skill and knowledge. Children are fast learners as they have curious minds with bubbling energy. Teaching children entrepreneurship in schools gives them a practical experience. This helps to create a better tomorrow for our present and future generations. It is estimated that by 2030, India will be amongst the youngest nations in the world with young entrepreneurs. So let us begin the process of encouraging the youngsters to think big, right now.

Young entrepreneur is a great initiative taken by Podar International School, ICSE, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The school plays a vital role in developing the entrepreneurial skills in students. It is interesting to know that the students right from class 4 to class 12 take part and are trained for this initiative.

Read on…to the experiences shared by the Principal, Mr. Prashant Muley, teachers and students of the school. As a principal, what made you to start this concept? It was mainly a thought of giving students a platform where they are in complete charge of setting up a stall for sale of their items/games and also has some fun element involved in it. Hence Diwali was chosen for it. This will be such 8th fair in our school. What initiative is taken from the school’s side? We provide students with all the required infrastructure support and also display support. How do the students market their products and what do they learn from this? The students design the strategy for the same a few days before the fair. They do display information about it on a chart paper at the place of fair. Team Work, Respecting others’ views, collaboration are some of the learnings from the same. According to you what skills are developed in them at this age? As the focus is on developing entrepreneurial skills or giving them an idea of what it is about being an entrepreneur, I believe they do get a sense of the same and also understand negotiation, communication skills

THE TEACHERS’ VIEWS How are the students guided for this initiative? We help the students to think proactively and work on a doable activity. What do you learn from the students? Given a chance, it is possible that any person can develop these skills needed for being an entrepreneur. Do the students actively take part in this? Yes. In fact, they eagerly wait for this fair every year. They also get a chance to see others’ stalls and learn from it. How do you feel, when your students develop the entrepreneurship skills? Of course, it is a good feeling. Also a feeling of having helped them to accomplish something.

THE STUDENTS’ VIEWS How do you feel as a young entrepreneur? It is a different opportunity. We feel happy to have received the same. There are a lot of new things to do and learn from it. What products have you made till now and how did you sell it? We make a chart paper explaining the same. Also we make groups of students only for the purpose of explaining to the visitors about what is on display. How do you decide the cost of the products made by you? All the students who have worked on making the same only decide the cost. We take into account how much amount was needed to make it and also the transport and time factor is kept in consideration to decide the cost. What management techniques did you learn? Communication, Team Work, Leadership, Delegation of work, Time management, Negotiation, Convincing ability etc are the important take aways for us in this. october 16

CAREER

Vanalatha

WILDLIFE

PHOTOGRAPHY Challenging and Adventurous re you an animal lover? Want to capture them in your lens, and want to have adventures in forests, then, get ready to become a wildlife photographer.

Wildlife photographer shoots photographs of animals in its most habitual and natural form. They need to travel the world to remote locations for that perfect shot. Camping, hiking, keen sense of seeing, smelling and hearing is must for an aspirer. The career is more challenging and adventurous. One needs to have both physical and mental fitness besides general aptitude for the job. The field is not only for clicking photographs but enjoying the wildlife and gaining thorough knowledge about their surroundings.

october 16

How to enter the field?

After 10+2, one needs to enroll in a photography school or institute and show passion for wildlife and nature. Career Prospects Professional wildlife photographers generally take assignments from editors of newspapers, magazines, publishing companies, advertising agencies, and government agencies. Besides, they can also host exhibitions and send their work to photography contests to get their talent identified and recognized in the industry, thereby earning the desired name and fame. Photographs clicked by them can be used for designing cards and calendars or for launching brands related to them.

Some of the PROMINENT INSTITUTES • Delhi School of Phototgraphy, New Delhi • Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand • School of Forestry and Environment, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh • Department of Studies and Research in Wildlife and Management, Karnataka • Bharati Vidyapeeth School of Photography, Pune, Maharashtra

Every career requires a skill. What are the skills required for a wildlife photographer? Good knowledge about animals and birds, love for wildlife and nature is a must. One needs to have lots of patience and perseverance. For wildlife photographer a degree in Biodiversity and conservation would be an advantage. Good photography degree would be starting point. Basic knowledge of computers and photo software processing skills are required for digital photography. To be a professional, self-employed and freelancer, one needs good communication skill, marketing skills, and work independently. Just taking great photograph is not enough; one has to have good business sense also. What are the challenges faced in this career? Weather plays big part, as most of the photography is done by natural sunlight. Whatever weather forecast you plan, nature has its own way. Unexpected rain, snowfall are big hurdle. One has to crawl on ground, patches and bushes for shooting ground birds, water birds. If the birds are very small and very active, spotting them, photographing them on good natural perch is definitely challenging task. With practice and spending more and more time in the field you can overcome it. What kind of photograph should be taken and what are the techniques to approach the animals? It depends, what purpose you are shooting. They are many types of images one can shoot, like documentation of the species, research purpose, and wildlife fine art images.

For birds, we have to avoid bright clothing, loud sounds, quick moves, hair spray, gel, strongly smelling sun cream. On spotting the bird, first click a shot, next move a little closer and take a second shot. For birds, no movement means invisibility. If you find a place which promises birds activity later, DO wait there, instead of running all over and getting no good pictures. Have patience and you’ll have a better chance at coming back with few good shots. For animals, pugmark helps to track them. Food and water are main source for the animals and you can find them in those areas. How is the awareness about this career in India? What are the pros and cons in this field? Wildlife photography in India is still nascent, but it is growing. Only few photographers are doing as full time profession. Monetary wise it won’t be great when you start. If one can combine two or

Ms. Rathika Ramasamy, a Wildlife Photographer in Chennai and New Delhi, shares her experiences and views to the aspirers. Read on…

three genre of photography, it would be ideal, before going for exclusive wildlife photography. It is becoming very popular among hobby photographers. Pros: Wildlife photography is the most rewarding and exciting genre of photography, if you have love for wildlife then it is a very satisfied work. You have chance to explore and enjoy the wildlife and the nature, best in its form. Cons: Initial investment for camera, good lens, and safari, travel expenses are high. There is no fixed income, and to get break, it take years to break through. How did you develop interest in wildlife photography and what is the greatest achievement in your career to date? My wildlife photography started around 2003. During my visit to Bharatpur sanctuary, I wanted to capture the birds so that I could enjoy the experience watching them. Next, I bought my first long tele lens for wildlife photography. It is not easy to take up a field that is very different from one’s education, but I wanted to pursue what I was passionate about. For me when someone sees my images, they feel that it took them virtually to the forest and they are watching the animal in front of them. Bringing the nature in front of viewers’ eyes is a big achievement. What message would you like to give to the students who aspire to pursue wild life photography as a career? I would advise to take up wildlife photography only if you really love it. Be strong in fundamental of technical aspects of photography, acquire in depth about the knowledge of animals and birds. Have passion and strictly follow the ethics of wildlife photography. october 16

CHANGE MAKERS

Sainath

BYE BYE CHALK & TALK

LISTEN

If there is one single aspect that Indian education system can do away with, it is rote learning or learning by heart. A young M Tech graduate, Sai Prasanna Rath who graduated from NIT Rourkela has taken upon himself to change the chalk and talk method that has been the bane of the education system. T P Venu finds out how Students of Bherokhara Middle School in Samastipur district in Bihar would listen to the teacher, make notes and go back home. corporate sector, these low-cost laptops are making a huge difference in the lives of students in Bihar.

owever, when they were asked about concepts that they had listened to, they cut a sorry figure. So Sai Prasanna Rath introduced the students to access Wikipedia in offline mode. The initiative that started in mid August 2015 has now caught on and the school is making good progress. Once this was done, students started questioning and researched topics. Sai says, “They started asking ‘why, when and how’. Simple words but it helped them understand concepts better. Interactive learning brought a big change and indifferent students started participating in discussions in the classroom.” Another initiative of Sai was introducing videos. Students’ span of attention increased and they started enjoying the learning process. A laptop and a projector was enough to get the students swarm like bees whenever the

october 16

A firm believer that just the lecture method will not help, Sai Prasanna Rath is spreading interactive learning in the remote villages of Bihar. City kids take the computer for granted. projector was turned on, quips Sai. While the students showed great enthusiasm, teachers initially were not very happy. Used to the lecture method it took them a while to get accustomed to digital teaching and learning. Another initiative that is paying rich dividends is the introduction of 400 e-books with animated stories. Bakul, an educator who was involved with the

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India, in which Sai Prasanna too was a part says, “The e-books with sub-titles did the trick. Children could relate to them and their participation was hundred per cent.” Sai also collaborated with IIT Bombay to develop a low-cost laptop with open source software for educational purpose. Today with the help of funding from NGOs and

Rural children when introduced to computers started using it to great advantage. He has been conducting workshops for teachers to embrace technology as it makes teaching and learning interactive and interesting. The students are now not only looking forward to go to school but absenteeism too has come down drastically, says Sai. No more Monday morning blues for the students of Bherokhara Middle School for sure.

TeachingEnglish Finding and creating resources BRITISH COUNCIL

This series of articles from the British Council aims to help you think about your teaching and bring new ideas and activities into your classroom. The series covers topics including homework, working with large classes and finding resources. Today we look at finding and creating resources. Many English teachers don’t have resources such as posters, photocopies, internet access or even books. Read these comments from teachers. Do you agree with them? ‘You don’t need new technology to create an effective English lesson; you need imagination.’ Kuheli, India

‘When there are no materials the teacher and the students are the main resource.’

What do you think? Dario, from Argentina writes: I make flashcards from old magazines and books to help me teach English. I also draw stick figures (on the board or on cards) to show people doing different actions or in different situations. I’m a terrible artist but my students have fun guessing what my drawings mean! I paste the pictures onto card and keep them in a folder so that we can use then again and again. I use flashcards to teach new language or to have fun with English in class. Here are some ideas: Show the class 10 cards then mix them up and remove one - ask which one is missing. Show the students 10 cards then turn them over and ask them to remember the pictures. Students work in small groups to invent a story about 5 picture cards. Hold up two pictures of famous people and ask the students to invent their conversation.

Geoffrey, Malawi

What can we use to help us teach English? Draw or cut out pictures from magazines to present new words and revise language (for example numbers, letters, sports, daily routines, greetings). Stick the pictures on card if possible to make reusable flashcards. Use yourself and your students as teaching aids: For example, you can teach clothes, describe where things are, and practise parts of the face using the people in the class. Mime actions (sleeping, cooking, reading…) and ask the students to guess where you are and what you are doing. Use your voice. Beginners can listen and repeat new words. Higher levels can listen to the teacher then talk about their own experiences. Students can learn new songs and chants by repeating each line after the teacher. Adding actions to songs is fun and makes them easier to remember.

A classroom activity - a back to back game You can use objects from in and around the classroom to practise giving and understanding instructions.

Ask students to collect a few things in the classroom (pencils, erasers, pieces of chalk, stones, leaves etc).

Place the students in pairs back to back.

Ask your students to find newspaper articles to discuss in class.

Student A has to place his objects in a pattern and then tell his partner what order they are in.

We can even use old newspapers as craft material and tear it into shapes to make vocabulary items.

Student B has to listen and recreate the pattern.

Tell more advanced students that they can’t use the name of the object. This is good for practising adjectives. ‘Put the long, black thing next to the soft, round object.’

Ask students to collect authentic materials in English such as train timetables or application forms to practise dialogues in different situations: When is the next train to…, What’s your surname? Students can bring in a picture to describe or a photo of their family to talk about. Use objects in and around the classroom to represent words. ‘This table/pencil/ chair is an animal. It can swim but it can’t walk. It’s a ….?’ Be creative with limited resources and use your students’ knowledge and creativity to actively involve everyone in learning English.

Glossary Authentic material is English texts which you can use in class but that are not designed for teaching. A chant is similar to a song; a chant has rhythm but no tune. Dialogue is conversation. Flashcards are pictures on cards to help students to understand new vocabulary without translation. Presenting language is introducing new language. Revising is practising language that learners have seen previously.

Think about: How could you use a newspaper as a teaching resource? Can you cut out pictures of people and ask your students to describe what they are wearing, doing or saying? Perhaps there are photographs that would prompt your students to discuss recent news or sports events. Children could use pieces of newspaper (and their imagination!) to tear out shapes of animals or favourite food and talk about them with their classmates.

Want to find more teaching tips? Visit www.teachingenglish.org.uk

october 16

LANGUAGE STUDY

LISTEN

VOCABULARY in

DEUTSCH

for BEGINNERS Here is some everyday vocabulary in DEUTSCH (German) language. Listen to the Audio for correct pronunciation.

BOOK

Review Author: Ruskin Bond Publisher: Kindle Edition (Paperback) Price: `132

october 16

ENGLISH

DEUTSCH

PRONUNCIATION

Please explain how this works.

Bitte, erklaren Sie, wie dies funktionert.

Bitte, erklairen zee wee dees foonkshianert.

Where is the nearest Pharmacy (Medical Shop)?

Wo ist der nachste Apotheke?

Wo ist der naekshte Apotheke?

Will you please help me?

Wurden Sie mir bitte helfen?

Woorden zee mear bitte helfen?

Which way do I go?

Wie komme ich dahin?

Wee komme ish dahin?

Where is the station?

Wo ist der Bahnhof?

Wo ist der Baanhof?

Where do I buy a ticket?

Wo kauft man die Fahrkarte?

Wo kauft man dee Faarkaarte?

It is too late.

Es ist zu spat.

Yes ist tsu spat

We have missed the train.

Wir haben den Zug verpaast

Wier haaben den Tzoog ferpaast.

Please take me to my Hotel.

Bitte, bringen Sie mich zu meinem Hotel.

Bitte, bringen zee mish tsu meinem Hotel

I am tired.

Ich bin mude.

Ish bin mewede

Thick as Thieves: Tales of Friendship Somewhere in life There must be someone To take your hand And share the torrid day Without the touch of friendship There is no life and we must fade away Discover a hidden pool with three young boys laugh out loud as a little Mouse makes demands on a lonely writer, follow the mischievous four Feathersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as they discover a baby lost in the hills and witness the bond Between a tiger and his master. Some stories make you smile; some may make your heart skip a beat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; But all of them will renew your faith in the power of friendship

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CRISS CROSS PUZZLE 04 IN THE OFFICE

A criss cross is a fun puzzle in which you are presented with an empty grid and a list of words underneath. Each word must be placed into the grid in either an across or down direction in order to fill the grid.

4 letters

7 letters

DESK GLUE

FOLDERS MONITOR PRINTER STAPLER

5 letters CHAIR CLOCK FILES MOUSE RULER

8 letters CALENDAR COMPUTER

11 letters

6 letters

HIGHLIGHTER WALL PLANNER WATER COOLER

LAPTOP PENCIL RUBBER TABLES

PUZZLES 04

What goes into the empty square?

SUDOKU 40 3

7 7

2 9

4 12 6 6

2 9

5 5 7 1

3 4

8 9 8

7 5

october 16

4 1

5 1 6

6 5

18 9